Town of Onancock
on Virginia's beautiful Eastern Shore
of the Chesapeake Bay
Attractions/Entertainment/Recreation
The first grouping of activities are located either in Onancock or within five miles of Onancock. The second grouping includes those that are over five miles but are still easily accessible by car, some by bike and some by bus. Star Transit has five different routes covering Virginia's Eastern Shore (and the buses have bike racks). A lot can be seen by walking and more, of course, by easy biking.
In, or within Five Miles of, Onancock
Onancock. State designated Historic District. Picturesque bay side village founded in 1680 as Port Scarburgh, the town boasts a newly renovated wharf and boat ramp complementing its deep water harbor. Please see other sections of this web site for old historic churches, antique shops and others. From 1680 to 1693 the county court was located here. Town office 787-3363. Ferry to Tangier Island. Obtain a Walking Tour map of Onancock and learn about the historic significance of many of our buildings (from Child of the Bay by Anne Nock).
Eastern Shore Railway Museum, Parksley. Two miles west of Rt. 13 on the original site of the old Parksley Station. Monday - Saturday 10:30 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Admission. Seasonal train excursions 665-6271. (Antique Car Museum on adjacent property scheduled to open in near future.)
Theaters - Onancock boasts a live theater,
North Street
Playhouse which produces a season of plays of various types as well as
learning
activities for aspiring actors, young and old. In addition,
Onancock
has one of three movie theaters on the Eastern Shore and the nearby
area
boasts musical groups, dance theater and other live productions.
Sidewalk Tour of Accomac , State Designated Historic District. Within a short radius of this town, one will find more restored colonial architecture than in any other place in America, with the exception of Williamsburg.
Debtor's Prison, Accomac. Built in 1784 as the jailers residence and adapted as a debtors prison in 1824, the building is a fine example of an eighteenth century tradesman's residence and remains essentially unchanged since 1784.
Locustville Academy, Locustville. Opened in 1859 and operated for twenty years. Arrangements for visits may be made by contacting Mrs. George Reiger. No Admission Fee. 787-7480
Turner Sculpture, Melfa. At the Turner Foundry and Gallery, one can view the bronze sculptures of world-renowned artists William and David Turner. The Gallery display both miniature and life-sized examples of their works on wildlife and waterfowl. No Admission Fee. Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday. 787-2828. Tour the foundry and watch pouring, usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 787-2812
Further than five miles from Onancock
Oyster and Maritime Museum , Chincoteague. The only one of its kind in the United States, it features live marine exhibits, shell specimens, historical and maritime artifacts and implements from the seafood industry. Admission. 336-6117
Refuge Waterfowl Museum, Chincoteague. Exhibits of carved waterfowl, antique decoys and art. Displays of boats, weapons and traps. Admission. 336-5800
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge , Home of the famed Chincoteague ponies. 336-6122. Assateague Island National Seashore. Roam the beaches, walk or ride the nature trails. 336-6577
Island Cruises and Wildlife Tours. Take a narrated safari through the back roads of Chincoteague national Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island. Scenic sunset cruises through the serene waters of the Assateague Channel or Chincoteague Inlet. Especially memorable during the Fall migratory season. June - Sept. Tickets: 336-5593 (Off Season 336-5511)
NASA/Wallops Visitor Center. View collections of spacecraft and flight articles, as well as exhibits about America's space flight program. During December, January and February, NASA offers tours of Wallops Island launch site by advance reservation. No Admission Fee. 834-1344
Wachapreague. A scenic fishing village, known as the Flounder Fishing Capital of the World. Charter boats leave for fishing trips offshore and in the seaside inlets. Boat rentals available. Enjoy one of the finest waterfront views on the shore.
Willis Wharf. In tiny Willis Wharf, travelers during the mid-fall and early spring will find a trip to the oyster house intriguing. Here, natives show visitors the art of shucking that seafood delicacy.
The Painter Gallery, Painter. The Painter Gallery, home for the arts, host a diverse array of fine art exhibits and programs. For further information call 442-9537.
Eyre Hall II. Original house built in 1735 and enlarged in 1765. One of the oldest and loveliest in the country, the original boxwood garden is enclosed by a wall constructed of brick brought from England as ballast in sailing ships. A Virginia Historic Landmark.
Cape Charles. Established in 1884 when New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad extended its line from Philadelphia to Norfolk. Walk along the sea wall to experience a magnificent view of the Chesapeake Bay. Shoppers will delight in the specialty and antique shops. Local eateries offer the opportunity to sample the freshest seafood in the area.
Kiptopeke State Park. The state's newest park, its 375 acres offer a variety of outdoor recreational and conservation activities. Camping, boating, picnicking, fishing. bird watching. Admission. 331-2267
Custis' Tombs. On Arlington Plantation, former family home of Martha Custis before her marriage to George Washington.
Eastern Shore Pottery. The largest selection of pottery on the Shore including Mexican, Zanesville, red Clay and Terra Cotta. Also available at factory outlet prices are dinnerware, glassware, kitchenware and unique gifts. 331-4341
Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge . At the southern tip of the peninsula, the refuge is a bird lover's paradise. A museum houses an extensive and valuable waterfowl carving collection. No Admission Fee. 331-2760
Chesapeake Bay Bridge -Tunnel. The world's largest bridge-tunnel complex, 17.6 miles long, save travelers 95 miles and 11/2 hours between Virginia Beach and New York. One of the complex's islands has a restaurant, fishing pier and gift shop. Toll Bridge. 331-2960 or 624-3511
Come to Onancock, centrally located on Virginia's beautiful historic Eastern Shore and enjoy many activities or just relax. There are many scenic roads for exploring without driving on the main highway, US 13. And you haven't seen the Eastern Shore until you get off Route 13 !
